The project workflow is depicted below. The process leading to a functional alpha prototype is delineated by 5 major milestones: the design need review; the engineering feasibility review; the fabrication & cost review; the testing& optimization review; and the final presentation.

A team is comprised of three task forces that work in cooperative collaboration to generate design alternatives – the team works in full cooperation throughout the project towards an integrated prototype of waste sorting production line. Engineering specifications of the production line is prepared in advance with three functional machines to be designed: a splitting machine, a speedy picker, and a dex picker.

• The splitting machine functions by spreading the waste evenly on the conveyor belt to avoid stacking, making them easier to be picked up;
• The speedy picker functions by providing rapid picking capability using linear actuators with a suction cup, performing simple picks at a high speed;
• The dex picker functions by providing dexterous picking for wastes that are challenging to be picked using a custom gripper on a robotic arm.

Each task force of the team will pick a machine of their choice and be in charge of this machine’s design based on a predefined engineering need and budget. This is an effective way to ensure that the engineering designs generated fall within the need of clients when developed by a large team within a limited time frame. It also allows students to practice collaboration and cooperation within a smaller group (~5) before working as a larger team (~15).